Secretary of State Rubio addresses conference on political terrorism

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism at the State Department on July 16. He said counterterrorism policy has long overlooked violence from the political left. Rubio stated that far-left attacks and plots have increased in the United States, Germany, and Greece.

Incidents cited Rubio described a July 2026 firebomb attack in Greece that killed a 72-year-old woman. He also referenced a winter blackout in Berlin that left an 83-year-old woman dead and an attack in Lyon that killed a 23-year-old man. He said political leaders, businesses, railways, and police have faced violence in several countries.

Historical context Rubio said far-left political violence was the dominant form of terrorism for much of the modern era. He listed groups including the Tupamaros, Montoneros, FARC, ELN, and Peru's Shining Path. He stated that left-wing violence in the United States has reached levels not seen in decades.